Mercer County Schools

GEAR UP SWV is presenting a financial literacy class for all tenth graders in Mercer County. MJ Bridges of Cool Speak and Young and Debt Free guides sophomores in developing a postgraduate financial plan, whether they are enrolling in college, enlisting in the military, or seeking employment. #GEARUPWorks #GEARUPSWV

Bus 661 is running 20 minutes behind this morning, Tuesday, October 21st. This affects Athens, Sun Valley, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.

2026-2027 School Calendar Public Hearings set for October 27th and November 10th, both at 5:30 p.m. at the MCTEC Seminar Center.

The Mercer County Science Fair location has been changed to the MERCER MALL! Students may set up their projects on Wednesday, November 5th between 3:00-6:00 p.m. Judging begins on Thursday November 6th at 8:30 a.m.

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Rosemary Mitchell, Secondary Supervisor Angela Groseclose, and Middle School Supervisor Dr. Ashley Vaughn updated Mercer County Schools’ Data Wall this week—showing great progress in our secondary schools’ reading and math achievement!

By consistently tracking and responding to the data, our teams can identify what’s working and where students need additional support. When we follow the data, we improve outcomes, and that means stronger achievement for every student.

We’re also proud to share that Dr. Vaughn has been nominated to serve on the West Virginia Department of Education’s Assessment Advisory Council, representing Mercer County and contributing to statewide discussions on student learning and accountability.

#StudentSuccess #DataDriven #WVEducation #LoveMyWVSchool

Bus 685 is running about 20 minutes behind this morning, Monday, October 20th. This affects Spanishburg, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.

💼 Today, Montcalm High students got to “Get a Life”! Students were handed a card listing their job and salary, then visited community members to make real-world choices about housing, health insurance, vehicles, and lifestyle — learning just how far a paycheck can go. But they had to beware of the Grim Reaper, who popped up with surprise expenses like medical bills or a broken appliance! 💸 It’s all part of helping students understand finances and future planning in a fun, eye-opening way. #MercerCountySchools #FinancialLiteracy #CareerReady #EveryStudentEveryDay

📊 We miss our students when they’re not here! Attendance Director Russell Lippencott, Attendance Officer Donna Brown, WVEIS Coordinator Alisha Lester, and Coordinator of Pupil Services Amanda Aliff met with principals today to explore how WV ZOOM data can help us better understand and address chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. Mercer County Schools is committed to using this insight to support families, strengthen connections, and keep students where they belong—learning and growing in our classrooms every day. 💛 #MercerCountySchools #EveryDayCounts #LoveMyWVSchool #ILovePublicSchools #StudentSuccess

The following buses will NOT run today, Friday, October 17th: Bus 677, which affects Princeton Primary, Mercer, Princeton Middle and Princeton High and Bus 648, which affects Athens, PikeView Middle, and PikeView High.

🌟 Central Office Spotlight: The People Behind the Scenes 🌟 Today, Superintendent Ed Toman is shining a light on two of the many people who help keep Mercer County Schools running smoothly behind the scenes! Dr. Amber Bowling, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, somehow manages to juggle calendars, calls, meetings, and about a thousand other details all while keeping things calm, organized, and on track. She’s the person who makes sure everything (and everyone) stays where it needs to be! Amy Harrison, Data & Information Specialist, wears about ten different hats—from public relations and social media to grant writing and communication planning. If you’ve ever read a Mercer County Schools post, seen a district video, or heard about a big project or event… chances are Amy had a hand in it! They’re two of the many incredible people who make Central Office a busy but happy place to be. Stay tuned for more “behind the scenes” spotlights coming soon! #ILovePublicSchools #LoveMyWVSchool

Central Office staff started their morning with an engaging and insightful session led by Ad Valorem, LLC’s Mike McClanahan! Today’s topic — “Dealing with Difficult People” — offered practical strategies, meaningful discussion, and interactive activities that everyone found valuable. Thank you, Mr. McClanahan, for an energizing and thought-provoking presentation that left our team feeling inspired and better equipped for everyday challenges! 💪✨

Bus 657 is running 20 minutes behind this morning, Wednesday, October 15th. This affects Timberwood, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.

Fun event planned at the Granada Theater in Bluefield!

At tonight’s BOE meeting, Board Member Mark Godfrey was recognized by 4-H’s Sarah Brown as a Friend of 4-H. He proudly represents the Mercer County BOE on the 4-H Board—thank you for supporting our youth!

At tonight’s Mercer County Board of Education meeting, Melrose Elementary parent volunteer Trish Long was recognized as part of the 110% Club for her outstanding dedication and service. We also celebrated several amazing 4-H students and leaders whose hard work and commitment continue to make a positive impact in our schools and community. Congratulations to all who were honored tonight—you make Mercer County proud!

Please keep the friends and family of Kim Miller in your thoughts.

Training Spotlight
Mercer County Schools’ Elementary Supervisors, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ernie Adkins, and principals Emily Smith, Kelli Stanley, and LaCosta Hodges are leading professional learning sessions for K–3 Teachers and Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers focused on “Lessons from the Mouse.”

Based on principles from former Disney leader Dennis Snow, this training explores how Disney’s legendary approach to service and experience can be applied in classrooms—helping teachers create engaging, consistent, and joyful learning environments for every child.

By focusing on the “guest experience” through a student’s eyes, teachers learn how preparation, positivity, and small, meaningful gestures can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary moments of learning and connection.

#ProfessionalLearning #LessonsFromTheMouse #LoveMyWVSchool

Mercer County Schools – Staff Training Highlight Mercer County Schools’ Physical Education Teachers, Health Teachers, Middle School Counselors, and School Nurses participated in Catch My Breath training today — a nationally recognized program designed to prevent vaping and promote healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles among students. The training provided tools and resources to help educators guide meaningful discussions, strengthen prevention efforts, and support our students in making informed, healthy choices. Thank you to all who participated for your dedication to student wellness and for helping us build a healthier, safer school community! #MercerCountySchools #WellnessMatters #CatchMyBreath #VapingPrevention #StudentHealth #HealthyChoices

Pre-K and Elementary Supervisor Amber Riffe and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Amber Bowling recently updated the Central Office Data Wall to reflect our Beginning-of-Year (BOY) benchmark data.

Benchmarking several times a year helps staff identify strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and guide targeted instruction to meet the needs of every student. It’s one more way Mercer County Public Schools keeps teaching and learning data-driven and student-focused!

#DataDriven #InstructionalExcellence #EveryStudentEveryDay #LoveMyWVSchool